CLASS INCLUDED TO ENTER LADIES CLASSICOWNER FEUERBORN MAKES IT OFFICIAL FRIDAY

It’s the big one for Class Included.

Owner Mike Feuerborn announced Friday that Emerald Downs’ 2012 Horse of the Meeting will tackle the world’s toughest older fillies and mares in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic, Friday, November 2 at Santa Anita. Post time is 4:30 p.m. (Pacific).

Feuerborn said he has been obsessed with the Breeders’ Cup for over two weeks while trying to choose between the 1-1/8-mile Ladies Classic and the seven-furlong Filly & Mare Sprint. He made the announcement Friday while appearing on Gas ‘n Elise on KJR Sports Radio 950.

“It’s the Ladies Classic,” he said. “Now we’re going to get a little nervous about this.”

Feuerborn said the race is far and away the toughest challenge ever faced by the 4-year-old Class Included. She’s been nearly perfect, of course, compiling a 10-6-0 record in 16 starts and three titles at Emerald Downs. But she’s never faced anything close to the competition that awaits her in California.

“The Ladies Classic might be the toughest of the 15 Breeders’ Cup races this year,” Feuerborn said. “But (Class Included) has won three in a row at this distance, all of them impressively. If you’re ever going to take the shot, this is the year to take it.”

The leading owner in purses the last two years at Emerald Downs, Feuerborn said it’s been a dream to go to either the Kentucky Derby or Breeders’ Cup. Now, thanks to Class Included, the dream is a reality for Feuerborn and his wife Amy.

Class Included is probably going to be the longest shot in the race, but she’s earned the shot with a remarkable season in which she has won five stakes and over $200,000.

“It’s the dream I’ve always had but when it starts to become reality, you wonder if it’s real,” he said.